GSLV Launch fails, ISRO forced to destruct satellite

GSLV is becoming a quite embarrassing experience for The Indian Space Research Organisation. After two previous unsuccessful launch events, the third launch also failed on Saturday.

Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle-F06 was launched from Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota on the Christmas Day, but within minutes ISRO was forced to issue the district command. GSAT-5P was carrying 24 C-band and 12 extended C-band transponders. The satellite was meant to replace the INSAT-2E which was placed in orbit in 2003.

The launch was earlier scheduled for 20th Dec, but a snag prevented the launch. The 29 hr countdown was started later. The satellite weighed 2310 Kgs and was built at a cost of Rs. 125 Crore.

Just after the launch, the rockets veered from the flight path and broke into pieces. Two previous attempts with the GSLV satellites have gone waste as well, with GSLV-D3 veering off its flight path and plunging into the Bay of Bengal along with GSAT-4 on April 15 this year.